The International Space Station (ISS) is set to be deorbited into the Pacific Ocean in 2030. However, NASA has chosen to replace it with commercial alternatives due to escalating competition in low Earth orbit.
Max Space, a startup dubbed “space real estate pioneers,” aims to deliver a technical advantage over its competitors. The company specializes in expandable habitats that enable safe and predictable deployments. Their Thunderbird station can expand up to 20 times its size once in orbit, making it more efficient than the decade-long deployment of the ISS.
The first station in Max Space’s pipeline is the Thunderbird, which features a “morphic interior structure” allowing for customizable space. With over 12,300 cubic feet of pressurized volume, the station can support four crew members and up to eight visitors. It will also include research stations, observation galleries, and private quarters.
Max Space plans to launch the Thunderbird by 2029 and hopes to feature prominently in NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations project. The company has signed partnership agreements with several major players, including SpaceX, Omi, Astro Digital, Redwire, and Voyager.
With multiple competitors entering the market, including Lockheed Martin and Sierra Space, Max Space is one of the first firms to schedule a launch date for its expandable module.
Source: https://www.bgr.com/2109180/expandable-iss-replacement-max-space